A
ACensorship-resistant VPN app with paid, free and self-hosted server options
Free, from $3.30/mo
Obfuscation & anti-censorshipFull list
Protocols and clients that get through restrictive networks (Shadowsocks, V2Ray/Xray, Tor bridges).
5 tools2 with a free plan1 with an API3 open source
5 tools
AA
Free, from $3.30/mo
A
Censorship-resistant VPN app with paid, free and self-hosted server options
Obfuscation & anti-censorshipFree planOpen source
M
MM
From $5.61/mo
P
PSwiss no-logs VPN with a free plan, 20,000+ servers and built-in ad blocking
Free, from $3.49/mo
P
Free, from $3.49/mo
P
Swiss no-logs VPN with a free plan, 20,000+ servers and built-in ad blocking
VPNFree planOpen source
P
PP
From $1.69/mo
V
VV
Paid
How to choose obfuscation & anti-censorship tools
Every tool here claims to get through restrictive networks. The real differences show up in four places.
Who runs the server. Amnezia VPN is the only listed option you can self-host. You can run it on your own server, and it also offers free and paid servers. The others are commercial networks: VyprVPN, PureVPN, Proton VPN and Mullvad VPN.
Open source. Amnezia VPN, Proton VPN and Mullvad VPN are listed as open source, so anyone can inspect their code. VyprVPN and PureVPN are not.
Pricing model. Proton VPN and Amnezia VPN have free tiers. Their paid plans start at $3.49/mo and $3.3/mo. PureVPN starts at $1.69/mo. Mullvad charges one flat €5 a month (listed as $5.61/mo) and lets you open an account without personal details.
Platforms and extras. PureVPN and Proton VPN cover Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and Chrome. Mullvad covers everything except Chrome. PureVPN is the only one with an API. VyprVPN advertises obfuscated servers specifically.
We haven't tested these tools. Check how well each one works in your country before you rely on it.
Frequently asked questions
Are there free anti-censorship VPNs?
Yes. Proton VPN has a free plan, and Amnezia VPN offers free servers and a self-hosted option. VyprVPN, PureVPN and Mullvad VPN are paid only.
How much do these tools cost?
Listed starting prices run from $1.69/mo (PureVPN) to $5.61/mo (Mullvad VPN's flat €5 rate). Amnezia VPN starts at $3.3/mo and Proton VPN at $3.49/mo. No starting price is listed for VyprVPN.
What should I look for in a censorship-resistant VPN?
Look for obfuscation that works on your network, open-source code (Amnezia, Proton, Mullvad) and support for your devices. If you want to run your own server, check for a self-hosting option, which only Amnezia VPN offers here.
What are the alternatives to commercial VPN services?
You can self-host. Amnezia VPN lets you run the server yourself instead of relying on a provider's network. If you'd rather use a provider but keep your identity off the account, Mullvad VPN offers anonymous accounts.